Some teachers purchase their own classroom materials, so giving a teacher school supplies represents a thoughtful way to save them time and money. Buy school supplies on sale and collect them in a reusable plastic box. Depending on your child's age, consider construction paper, glue sticks, pencils, pens, colored pencils, crayons or markers. Dry erase markers, tissues and hand sanitizer also make appropriate classroom gifts.
Thank-you notes are of the most meaningful gifts a teacher can receive, and they are virtually free. Write a note to your child's teacher saying how much you appreciate her hard work and mention specific activities your child enjoyed. If possible, have your child write a thank-you note or create a card as well.
Gift certificates allow teachers to buy something they'd really like. If everyone in a class contributes a few dollars, the class can present the teacher with substantial gift certificate to his favorite restaurant or store. Or consider giving a $5 or $10 gift certificate to a coffee shop or movie theater if the class doesn't pitch in together for a certificate.
A potted plant is an inexpensive gift that will brighten up any classroom. Children can decorate the pot or container. For example, small children can make handprints, and older children can draw pictures or copy quotes and poems.
Fresh flowers represent a gift teachers will enjoy for days. Purchase a bouquet or arrange cut flowers from your garden. Or consider giving a teacher a packet of seeds and a pot so she can grow her own colorful flowers.
If you have a photo of your child with his teacher or a class photo, purchase an inexpensive frame and let the children Sign their names on it. Alternatively, the class could work together on a scrapbook that includes pictures of all the students, pictures of class events and handwritten notes. Each parent could create a page for the scrapbook with help from the student.